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BBC: Finance

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled Answered 10 February 2025UIN 27784

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will have discussions with the BBC on (a) the introduction of advertising, (b) the creation of a specific tax for streaming services, (c) making BBC Radio listeners pay for the service and (d) other options for future funding.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock

The Government remains committed to the licence fee for the remainder of the current Charter period.

Ministers and officials in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have regular discussions with the BBC on a range of important issues including BBC Charter Review and funding. There are a range of ways the BBC could be funded and we are thinking creatively about options for the future, to ensure we future-proof our national broadcaster for many years to come. Funding the BBC through general taxation is not being considered.

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